View field frame position adjustable optical device

ABSTRACT

An optical apparatus that can take an image at any inclination. Further, the optical apparatus is provided with a function that a user can know the inclination. A visual field frame having the same shape as an imaging unit is provided in a lens-barrel such that the visual field frame can rotate, being interlocked with rotation of the imaging unit. Further, the optical apparatus is provided with a function of detecting rotation of the imaging unit itself interlocked with rotation of the visual field frame and rotation of the imaging unit caused by rotation of the lens-barrel at the time of adjusting the pupil distance or the like. At recording, an image is recorded in an inclined state adapted for the rotation of the imaging unit. As a result, even if the imaging unit is inclined contrary to the user&#39;s will at the time of adjusting the pupil distance, the imaging unit can be returned to be horizontal by rotating the visual field frame.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a pair of binoculars, and particularlyto a pair of binoculars having an image pickup function.

BACKGROUND ART

An optical apparatus such as a pair of binoculars or a microscope isusually used for an observer to observe an object with his eye.Recently, there is proposed an optical apparatus having an image pickupfunction for recording an observed image. Such an optical apparatus hasan imaging unit arranged in the main body of the apparatus.

Generally, a conventional binocular optical apparatus is structured suchthat the interpupillary adjustment is performed by rotating the left andright lens-barrels on the spindle. Further, in the case of an opticalapparatus having an image pickup function, a visual field frame of anoblong rectangular or ellipsoidal shape corresponding to a shape of theimage pickup device is displayed in the visual field, for discriminatingbetween the observed image and the image pickup record area.

However, in the case where the interpupillary adjustment is performed isadjusted as described above, there is a problem that the visual fieldframe is inclined. Further, in the case where an imaging unit isarranged in the main body of a pair of binoculars, not only the visualfield frame but also the imaging unit is inclined when theinterpupillary adjustment is performed.

To solve the problems, have been considered a mechanism by whichrotation of one lens-barrel makes the other lens-barrel rotate throughthe same degrees in the reverse direction to keep the imaging unitalways horizontal in service condition, and a mechanism according towhich the visual field frame is mounted rotatably about the optical axisof the optical system of a lens-barrel portion to correct theinclination of the visual field frame (See, for example, JapaneseNon-examined Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-281555 (Patent Document 1)).

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

However, according to the mechanism of Patent Document 1, it isnecessary to provide gears and rods between the left and rightlens-barrels so that the left and right lens-barrels are interlockedduring the interpupillary adjustment while keeping the imaging unitalways horizontal. As a result, the optical apparatus itself becomeslarger, and high accuracy is required for its component parts.

An object of the present invention is to provide an optical apparatussuch as a pair of binoculars or a microscope in which a visual fieldframe indicating an image pickup range is displayed in the visual fieldand inclinations of an imaging unit and the visual field frame can beeasily adjusted.

To attain the above object, an optical apparatus of the claim 1comprises: a binocular optical system that has a left and right pair ofobservation optical systems housed respectively in left and rightlens-barrels, and is able to perform the interpupillary adjustment byaxially rotating the left and right lens-barrels; an imaging unit thathas a photoelectric conversion unit having an angle of viewcorresponding to a real visual field of an image observed by thebinocular optical system, with the imaging unit being arranged betweenthe left and right lens-barrels; and a visual field frame that hasalmost the same shape as the photoelectric conversion unit, is providedin at least one of the lens-barrels to be rotatable about an opticalaxis of the observation optical system; wherein: the optical apparatusfurther comprises: an interlocking portion provided between thelens-barrel having the visual field frame and the imaging unit, with theinterlocking portion rotate the visual field frame and the imaging unitin the same direction through the same angle.

An optical apparatus of the claim 2 further comprises: a detection meansthat detects a quantity of rotation of the photoelectric conversion unitabout an optical axis of an image pickup optical system of the imagingunit; a display means; and a control means that makes the display meansgive an indication when the quantity of rotation of the imaging unit,which is detected by the detection means, becomes a predetermined value.

An optical apparatus of the claim 3 is characterized in that thepredetermined value is a value indicating that an inclination of longsides of the imaging unit is horizontal or vertical.

An optical apparatus of the claim 4 comprises a binocular optical systemthat has a left and right pair of observation optical systems housedrespectively in left and right lens-barrels, and is able to perform theinterpupillary adjustment by axially rotating said left and rightlens-barrels; an imaging unit that has a photoelectric conversion unithaving an angle of view corresponding to a real visual field of an imageobserved by the binocular optical system, with the imaging unit beingarranged between the left and right lens-barrels; and a visual fieldframe that has almost the same shape as the photoelectric conversionunit, is provided in at least one of the lens-barrels to be rotatableabout an optical axis of the observation optical system; wherein: theoptical apparatus further comprises: a detection means that detects aquantity of rotation of said photoelectric conversion unit about anoptical axis of an image pickup optical system of the imaging unit; adriving unit that drives rotation of said photoelectric conversion unitand/or rotation of the visual field frame; and a control unit that makessaid driving unit operate, based on information detected by thedetection means.

And, an optical apparatus of the claim 5 is characterized in that, asthe driving unit, separate driving units are provided for rotating thephotoelectric conversion unit and the visual field frame respectively;the driving unit for driving rotation of the photoelectric conversionunit is provided between the left and right lens-barrels; and thedriving unit for driving rotation of the visual field frame is providedin the lens-barrel in which the visual field frame is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1( a) is an external view showing a pair of binoculars according toan embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1( b) a schematic viewshowing inner structure of the binoculars of the present embodiment;

FIGS. 2( a), 2(b), 2(c) and 2(d) are views for explaining adjustmentoperation at the time of the interpupillary adjustment of the binocularsof the present embodiment and a method of detecting inclination;

FIGS. 3( a) and 3(b) are diagrams for explaining a detection current inthe present embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an imaging unit in thepresent embodiment;

FIGS. 5( a 1), 5(a 2), 5(a 3), 5(b 1), 5(b 2), 5(b 3), 5(b 4), 5(b 5),5(b 6), 5(c 1), 5(c 2) and 5(c 3) are diagrams for explaining a visualfield frame, the imaging unit and recording directions;

FIG. 6( a) is an external view of a pair of binoculars according to asecond embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6( b) a schematicview showing inner structure of the binoculars of the second embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a pair of binoculars according to athird embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic view seen from the direction A in FIG. 7.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION First Embodiment

Now, embodiments of the present invention will be described referring tothe drawings.

These embodiments will be described taking a pair of binoculars as anexample of an optical apparatus. However, the present invention can beapplied to other optical apparatuses such as a microscope other than apair of binoculars. Further, the mechanism for adjusting the inclinationof the imaging unit and the visual field frame can be applied to amonocular apparatus too.

FIG. 1( a) is an external view showing a pair of binoculars according toan embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1( b) a schematic viewshowing inner structure of the binoculars.

As shown in FIGS. 1( a) and 1(b), the binoculars of the presentinvention are provided with a binocular optical system 100 having a leftand right pair of observation optical systems for observing an object;an imaging unit 200 for taking a picture; a mechanical unit 300 forinterlocking the imaging unit 200 and a visual field frame that delimitsan observation area; a detection unit 400 for detecting an inclinationof the imaging unit; an operation unit 500 for receiving input of anoperation instruction; and a housing 600 that stores the above-mentionedcomponents.

As outlined in FIG. 1( b), each observation optical system of thebinocular optical system 100 is provided with an objective lens 10, aneyepiece 11 and an erect prism 12, and these components are housed in alens-barrel.

The imaging unit 200 is arranged in the middle of the binocular opticalsystem 100, and is provided with an image pickup optical system 210, aphotoelectric conversion unit (CCD) 221, a control board, a recordingunit, a battery box (not shown), and the like. The image pickup opticalsystem 210 comprises a lens system having an angle of view that realizesa visual field corresponding to the real visual field owing to thebinocular optical system, and is arranged to generate and record animage that is close to an image generated by the binocular opticalsystem 100.

The mechanical unit 300 is provided with the visual field frame 31, arotatable knob 33, gears 32 a, 32 b, 32 c and 32 d and a coupling gearshaft 34.

The visual field frame 31 is fundamentally the same as the conventionalone, and, in the following, will be described taking one of aquadrangular (rectangular) shape as an example. The visual field frame31 is defined as horizontal when the long sides of the rectangular frame31 are in the horizontal direction. And, the visual field frame 31 isdefined as vertical when the short sides of the frame 31 are in thehorizontal direction.

Further, in the present embodiment, the visual field frame 31 is placedin front of the erect prism 12. However, visual field frames 31 may beplaced in front of left and right erect prisms 12 respectively. Further,the visual field frame 31 may be placed in any position in the binocularoptical system 100.

As shown in FIG. 1( a), the rotatable knob 33 is rotatably fixed to thehousing 600 at an exposed position so that a user can rotate the knob33. However, frictional force is applied to the rotatable knob 33 sothat the rotatable knob 33 does not move easily. Rotation of therotatable knob 33 is transmitted to the visual field frame 31 throughthe gear 32 c, and to the circumferential gear portion 32 d of theimaging unit 200 through the coupling gear shaft 34 and the gear 32 a.

According to this arrangement in the present embodiment, the user canrotate the visual field frame 31 and the imaging unit 200 simultaneouslythrough the same angle in the same direction.

The detection unit 400 is provided with a lens-barrel rotationalposition detection unit 41 and an imaging unit rotational positiondetection unit 42. The imaging unit rotational position detection unit42 can detect the rotational position of the visual field frame also,since the imaging unit rotational position detection unit 42 isconnected through the gears. Details of each unit will be describedlater.

As shown in FIG. 1( a), the operation unit 500 comprises: a power button51 for receiving an instruction of turning-on/off the power of theimaging unit; a record button 52 for receiving an instruction of timingthe moment to take a still picture; and a focus knob 53 for receiving aninstruction of adjusting the focus.

FIGS. 2( a), 2(b), 2(c) and 2(d) are views for explaining a method ofdetecting the inclination of the visual field frame 31 and the imagingunit 200 and adjustment operation at the time of the interpupillaryadjustment.

As shown in the figures, the housing 600 is provided with: a firsthousing 610 that houses the imaging unit 200 and the observation opticalsystem on the side where the visual field frame 31 exists; and a secondhousing 620 that houses the other observation optical system and isrotatably coupled to the first housing 610 at its part where the imagingunit 200 is housed.

As described below, in the binoculars of the present embodiment, thesecond housing 620 is rotated about the imaging unit 200 to adjust thehorizontal distance between the two lens-barrels for the interpupillaryadjustment.

Each of the lens-barrel rotational position detection unit 41 and theimaging unit rotational position detection unit 42 is provided with: areflection unit 41 a, 42 a; and a photo-coupler 41 b, 42 b for receivinglight irradiated onto and reflected by the reflection unit 41 a, 42 a.

FIGS. 3( a) and 3(b) are diagrams for explaining detection currentsobtained by the reflection units 41 a and 42 a and the photo-couplers 41b and 42 b.

Each of the reflection units 41 a and 42 a has a trapezoidal shape, andis mounted on a surface of a cylinder in a direction such that the widthof its area receiving light emitted from the photo-coupler 41 b or 42 bchanges as the cylinder rotates.

The photo-couplers 41 b and 42 b emit light when the power button 51 isturned on, detect quantities of light (detection currents) received fromthe reflection unit 41 a and 42 a, and output the detection currents asinclination signals indicating the rotation angles to the imaging unit200.

FIGS. 3( a) and 3(b) are graphs for explaining the detection currents.FIG. 3( a) explains the lens-barrel rotational position detection unit41, and FIG. 3( b) the imaging unit rotational position detection unit42. As shown in the drawings, the shapes of the reflection units 41 aand 42 a are formed such that the photosensitive outputs of thephoto-couplers 41 b and 42 b change linearly depending on the rotationalpositions.

As shown in the figures, the shapes of the reflection unit 41 a and 42 aand the photo-coupler photosensitive outputs 41 b and 42 b change, inthe lens-barrel rotational position detection unit 41, between aposition (maximum interpupillary distance position) 410 at which theinterpupillary distance becomes largest and a position (minimuminterpupillary distance position) 411 at which the interpupillarydistance becomes smallest, and, in the imaging unit rotational positiondetection unit 42, between a position (horizontal visual field frameposition) 420 at which the visual field frame becomes horizontal and aposition (vertical visual field frame position) 421 at which the visualfield frame becomes vertical.

The lens-barrel rotational position detection unit 41 detects thequantity of rotation (angle) of the first housing 610 with respect tothe second housing 620, and, as a result, detects the inclination of thelens-barrels that have been inclined at the time of the interpupillaryadjustment.

As shown in FIGS. 1( a) and 1(b) and FIGS. 2( a), 2(b), 2(c) and 2(d),the reflection unit 41 a is mounted on the cylindrical surface as a partof the first housing 610, and the photo-coupler 41 b is mounted withinthe second housing 620.

FIG. 2( a) shows an initial state, namely a state in which the left andright lens-barrels are opened almost horizontally before performing theinterpupillary adjustment. In this state, a long side of an image pickupdevice 261 and a long side of the visual field frame 31 are parallelwith each other.

FIG. 2( b) shows a state (lens-barrel rotation) in which thelens-barrels are inclined for the interpupillary adjustment. Forexample, when the first housing 610 is rotated through β clockwise withrespect to the second housing 620 as shown in the figure, thephoto-coupler 41 b outputs the detection current caused by thereflection unit 41 a to the below-mentioned CPU of the imaging unit 200.Here, the detection current changes depending on the rotation of thefirst housing 610.

FIG. 2( c) shows a state (service condition) in which both thelens-barrels of the binoculars are made horizontal while keeping therelatively-inclined state of the lens-barrels of FIG. 2( b). And, FIG.2(d) shows a state (horizontal state) in which the visual field frame 31is made horizontal while keeping the lens-barrels horizontal as in FIG.2( c).

In actual use, the binoculars are positioned such that both thelens-barrels become horizontal as shown in FIG. 2( d). Accordingly, therotation angle β of the first housing 620, which has been detected bythe lens-barrel rotational position detection unit 41, is corrected tobe half (β/2) for later control use.

The imaging unit rotational position detection unit 42 detects thequantity of rotation (angle) of the visual field frame 31 and theimaging unit 200 with respect to the first housing 610, and detects theinclination of them when these are rotated by means of the rotatableknob 33.

As shown in FIGS. 1( a) and 1(b) and FIGS. 2( a), 2(b), 2(c) and 2(d),the reflection unit 42 a is mounted on the cylindrical surface as a partof the imaging unit 200, and the photo-coupler 42 b is mounted on thefirst housing 610.

Next, will be described functions of the imaging unit 200. FIG. 4 is afunctional block diagram showing the imaging unit 200.

Although, in the example of the present embodiment, a flash memory isemployed as the recording unit 270, the recording unit is not limited tothis.

As shown in the figure, the imaging unit 200 is provided with the imagepickup optical system 210 having an image pickup lens; an imageprocessing part 220, the flash memory 270 for recording an image afterimage processing, an image signal output part 230 for outputting animage processed in the image processing part 220 to a monitor or thelike, a CPU 240 for controlling operation of the mentioned components; astorage part 250, and a display part 260.

The storage part 250 stores values (default values) calculated from therespective inclination signals received from both detection units 41 and42 at the time the imaging unit 200 is in predetermined specific states(rotation angles). In the present embodiment, the storage part 250stores values at the time the imaging unit 200 is horizontal (rotationangle of 0 degree) and vertical (rotation angle of 90 degrees).

The CPU 240 is connected to the operation unit 500 and the detectionunit 400, and controls the functional units of the imaging unit 200 inaccordance with an operation instruction received through the operationunit 500, output signals received from the detection unit 400 andprograms stored in an internal program memory.

In detail, when the power button 51 is turned on, the CPU 240 makes thephoto-couplers 41 b and 42 b start emitting light. Then, receiving theinclination signals outputted from the detection unit 400, the CPU 240calculates the inclination of the imaging unit 200 at the present time,based on the received signals and referring to the default values storedin the storage part 250. The CPU 240 holds the calculated inclination ina memory (not shown). Further, receiving a depression of the recordbutton 52, the CPU 240 makes the image processing part 220 (which willbe described below) operate. Further, based on the calculatedinclination of the imaging unit 200, the CPU 240 controls operation ofthe display part 260. The calculated inclination (quantity of rotation)of the imaging unit 200 is held in the memory (not shown).

Here, when an inclination β is obtained from the inclination signalreceived from the photo-coupler 41 b and an inclination α from thephoto-coupler 42 b, then the CPU 240 calculates the inclination of theimaging unit 200 at that point as β/2+α.

The image processing part 220 is provided with the photoelectricconversion unit (CCD) 221 that converts light inputted through the imagepickup lens into an electric signal when the record button 52 is pusheddown, an image read unit 222 that reads pixel data converted in thephotoelectric conversion unit 221 along the X-Y directions, acompression/expansion processing unit 224 that performscompression/expansion processing on an read image, and the flash memory270 for recording an image performed the compression/expansionprocessing. Further, the image processed in the compression/expansionunit 224 is outputted also to the image signal output part 230.

Here, the photoelectric conversion unit 221 is arranged to have a figuresimilar to the visual field frame 31.

In the present embodiment, the image processing part 220 records X-Yaddress data of pixel data read by the image read unit 222 into theflash memory 270, while controlling the read direction in accordancewith a horizontal position signal and a vertical position signal (whichthe CPU 240 holds in the memory) of the imaging unit 200. Or, the imageprocessing part 220 outputs the X-Y address data to the image signaloutput part 230.

FIGS. 5( a 1), 5(a 2), 5(a 3), 5(b 1), 5(b 2), 5(b 3), 5(b 4), 5(b 5),5(b 6), 5(c 1), 5(c 2) and 5(c 3) are diagrams for explaining a relationbetween the inclination of the visual field frame 31 and the imagingunit 200 and the direction of recording into the flash memory 270.

As shown in FIGS. 5( a 1), 5(a 2), 5(a 3), 5(b 1), 5(b 2), 5(b 3), 5(b4), 5(b 5), 5(b 6), 5(c 1), 5(c 2) and 5(c 3), when the record button 52is pushed down, X-Y address data read by the image read unit 222 arerecorded into the flash memory 270. In the following, the case to recordinto the flash memory 270 will be taken for instance and described,since the process of outputting to the image signal output part 230 isfundamentally the same.

Among these figures, FIGS. 5( a 1), 5(b 1), 5(b 4) and 5(c 1) showobjects A seen through the visual field frame 31.

FIGS. 5( a 2), 5(b 2), 5(b 5) and 5(c 2) show states in which theobjects A shown in FIGS. 5( a 1), 5(b 1), 5(b 4) and 5(c 1) are taken asrespective images B in the image pickup device 261.

FIGS. 5( a 3), 5(b 3), 5(b 6) and 5(c 3) show states in which the imagesB shown in FIGS. 5( a 2), 5(b 2), 5(b 5) and 5(c 2) have been recordedas respective recorded images C in a record area 271 of the flash memory270.

For example, in the case where an image is picked up when the imagingunit 200 is in an inclined state, the visual field frame 31 iscontrolled to be inclined in the same way as the imaging unit 200. Inthat case, an image recorded in the flash memory 270 as the recordingunit is not an inclined image, but is recorded in a state that theimaging 200 is in the initial state with X indicating the lengthwisedirection and Y the widthwise direction of the imaging unit 200.

Namely, in the present embodiment, the inclination of the imaging unit200 follows the inclination of the visual field frame 31. Thus, in thecase where the direction of the visual field frame 31 is horizontal asshown in FIG. 5( a 1), the imaging unit 200 is also horizontal as shownin FIG. 5( a 2). And, as shown in FIG. 5( a 3), the image is recorded asit is into the record area 271.

In the case where the direction of the visual field frame 31 is inclinedas shown in FIGS. 5( b 1) and 5(b 4), the imaging unit 200 also isinclined at the same angle as shown in FIGS. 5( b 2) and 5(b 5). And,the respective images are recorded into the record area 271 of the flashmemory 270 as shown in FIGS. 5( b 3) and 5(b 6) with X indicating thelengthwise direction and Y the widthwise direction of the imaging unit200.

Further, in the case where the direction of the visual field frame 31 isrotated through 90 degrees from the initial state as shown in FIG. 5( c1), the imaging unit 200 is also rotated through 90 degrees as shown inFIG. 5( c 2). The image recorded into the record area 271 of the flashmemory 270 as shown in FIG. 5( c 3) with X indicating the lengthwisedirection and Y the widthwise direction of the imaging unit 200.

According to the above-described arrangement of the present embodiment,at the time of recording, control can be performed such that an imagepickup result is recorded in a state rotated to the directioncorresponding to the rotation of the imaging unit 200.

The display part 260 is provided with an LCD, an LED or the like, and ispositioned, for example, at an eyepiece 11 in the outside of the visualfield frame as shown in FIG. 2( a).

When the inclination of the imaging unit 200, which is calculated by theCPU 240 using the inclination signals received from the detection units41 and 42, coincides with a default value stored in the storage part250, the display part 260 displays that fact. For example, the displaypart 260 can operate such that: in the case where the inclination of theimaging unit 200 is horizontal, a red light is turned on; in the casewhere the inclination is vertical, a green light is turned on; and inthe other case, no light is turned on. Of course, the method ofdisplaying is not limited to this. For example, the angle of theinclination calculated by the CPU 240 may be displayed digitally.

In the binoculars according to the present embodiment, the image pickupdirection of the imaging unit 200 (the visual field frame 31) can bechanged freely by rotating the imaging unit 200 (the visual field frame31) through the rotatable knob 33 and/or by rotating the housings 610and 620 relatively to each other. On the other hand, sometimes it isdifficult for the user to judge whether the imaging unit 200 is in thedirection he intended. Owing to display of the display part 260, theuser can know that the imaging unit 200 is in the desired direction.

Next, referring to FIGS. 2( a), 2(b), 2(c) and 2(d), will be describedadjustment operation for adjusting the imaging unit 200 to be horizontalat the time of the interpupillary adjustment.

In the present embodiment, starting from the state that the imaging unit200 and the visual field frame 31 are horizontal and the first andsecond housings 610, 620 are not rotated with respect to each other (theinitial state shown in FIG. 2( a)), the user first inclines thelens-barrels to adapt them for his interpupillary distance. Namely, thefirst housing 610 is rotated with respect to the second housing 620through an angle β (≠0 degree, ≠90 degrees) (lens-barrel rotation shownin FIG. 2( b)). Then, both the lens-barrels are made horizontal, to bein a service condition (the service condition shown in FIG. 2( c)).

The photo-coupler 41 b detects this rotation, and sends an inclinationsignal indicating the detected rotation to the CPU 240. Then, the CPU240 calculates the current inclination of the lens-barrels (i.e., theinclination of the imaging unit 200) as β/2.

Next, in the service condition, the user rotates the rotatable knob 33through an angle α to rotate the visual field frame 31 and the imagingunit 200.

The photo-coupler 42 b detects rotation of the imaging unit 200accompanying the rotation of the rotatable knob 33, and sends aninclination signal indicating the detected rotation to the CPU 240.

The CPU 240 calculates the inclination of the imaging unit 200 at thatpoint as β/2+α, using the inclination α calculated from the inclinationsignal from the photo-coupler 42 b and the inclination β/2 calculatedbased on the signal from the photo-coupler 41 b.

When the inclination becomes 0, i.e., when α=−β/2 is satisfied, the CPU240 judges that the imaging unit 200 becomes horizontal, and turns onthe red light in the display part 260.

When the display part 260 is turned on, the user knows that the imagingunit 200 becomes horizontal, and stops rotating the rotatable knob 33(horizontal state shown in FIG. 2( d)).

According to the above-described arrangement, the present embodimentprovides a pair of binoculars in which the inclination of the visualfield frame 31 is interlocked with the inclination of the imaging unit200, enabling record of an image taken in any direction.

The user can take an image at any angle by rotating the rotatable knob33 to incline the imaging unit 200.

Further, in the present embodiment, recording is performed while theinclination of the imaging unit 200 is interlocked with the inclinationof the visual field frame 31. Thus, from the direction of the visualfield frame 31, the user can recognize the inclination of the imagingunit 200 and the image pickup record area.

Further, even when the imaging unit 200 is inclined contrary to theuser's will as a result of, for example, the interpupillary adjustment,the user can realize a desired state, for example, a horizontal state,of the imaging unit 200 easily by rotating the rotatable knob 33 torotate the imaging unit 200 and the visual field frame 31. Further,owing to the display part, it is possible to know accurately and easilythat the imaging unit 200 is in a desired state.

Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to rotatethe main body of the binoculars depending on an image pickup object.Further, even when the visual field frame 31 of an observation opticalsystem is inclined as a result of the interpupillary adjustment, it ispossible to take an image in any desired direction by rotating thevisual field frame 31.

Although the present embodiment is arranged such that the rotatable knob33 is fixed to the housing 600 as shown in FIG. 1( a), the form of therotatable knob 33 is not limited to this. For example, a part of thevisual field frame 31 may be protruded in a shape of a tongue out of thehousing 600 to form the rotatable knob 33. At the time of use, thetongue is moved to rotate the visual field frame 31 and the imaging unit200.

Further, indices showing rotation angles may be provided at suitablelocations in order to know the inclination of the housing 600 cased bythe interpupillary adjustment or a rotation status of the visual fieldframe 31. Or, in order to display digitally the inclination of thevisual field frame 31 and the imaging unit 200 from the horizontalpositions, a display part may be provided on the housing and theinclination calculated by the CPU 240 may be displayed.

Further, the rotational position detection units and the display meansmay not be provided, and an observer may grasp the quantity of rotationwith his eyes.

Further, the present embodiment has been described taking the example inwhich the imaging unit and the visual field frame are interlocked witheach other through gears or the like. However, it is possible to providerotational position detection units and driving units such as motors forthe visual field frame and/or the imaging unit. The driving units can becontrolled based on detection results of the detection units.

In that case, a control part is provided for controlling the drivingunits based on the detected information.

Second Embodiment

While in the first embodiment, the imaging unit and the visual fieldframe are moved by hand, in a second embodiment, the imaging unit andthe visual field frame are moved by a motor.

The present embodiment will be described also taking an example of apair of binoculars as an optical apparatus. However, the presentinvention can be applied to an optical apparatus such as a microscopeother than a pair of binoculars. Further, the mechanism for adjustingthe inclination of the imaging unit and the visual field frame can beapplied to a monocular apparatus too.

FIG. 6( a) is an external view of a pair of binoculars according to thepresent embodiment, and FIG. 6( b) is a schematic view showing the innerstructure of the binoculars.

The binoculars of the present embodiment differ from the firstembodiment in that the binoculars of the present embodiment have a motor301. Description of the parts common to the first embodiment will beomitted.

As shown in FIG. 6( b), the binoculars of the present embodiment isprovided with a binocular optical system 100 having a left and rightpair of observation optical systems for observing an object, an imagingunit 200 for taking a picture, a mechanical unit 300 for interlockingthe imaging unit 200 and a visual field frame 31 that delimits anobservation area, a detection unit 400 for detecting an inclination ofthe imaging unit 200, an operation unit 500 for receiving input of anoperation instruction, the motor 301 for rotating the imaging unit 200about the optical axis of an image pickup optical system, and a housing600 that stores the above-mentioned components.

The mechanical unit 300 is provided with the visual field frame 31, arotatable knob 33, gears 32 a, 32 b, 32 c and 32 d, a coupling gearshaft 34, and the motor 301. In the present embodiment, the motor 301moves the imaging unit 200 and the visual field frame 31 beinginterlocked with each other. Thus, the rotatable knob 33 can bedispensed with. However, the rotatable knob 33 may be provided in orderthat a user can choose between a manual mode and an automatic mode bythe motor. The present embodiment will be described taking an examplehaving both modes.

According to the above-described arrangement, the visual field frame 31and the imaging unit 200 can be rotated simultaneously through the sameangle in the same direction, being driven by the motor 301. Driving bythe motor 301 is transmitted to the visual field frame 31 through thegear 32 c, and to the circumferential gear portion 32 d of the imagingunit 200 through the coupling gear shaft 34 and the gear 32 b. Further,the present embodiment uses values detected in the detection unit 400that is also mounted in the first embodiment.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the detection unit 400 is providedwith a lens-barrel rotational position detection unit 41 and an imagingunit rotational position detection unit 42.

Now, will be described a method of operating the binoculars of thepresent embodiment.

First, a power switch is turned on. Next, in the case where theinterpupillary adjustment has been performed, the lens-barrel rotationalposition detection unit 41 detects the rotational position between theleft and right lens-barrels caused by the interpupillary adjustment.Then, the detected value is sent to the CPU.

The angle between the left and right lens-barrels before theinterpupillary adjustment is taken as a reference value. And, thequantity of rotation is calculated by comparing the detected value withthe reference value. Then, based on the calculated value, drivingquantity by the motor 301 is controlled to rotate the imaging unit 200and the visual field frame 31.

At that time, the rotational position of the imaging unit 200 isdetected by the imaging unit rotational position detection unit 42. Whenthe detected value becomes a value corresponding to the above-calculatedquantity of rotation of the lens-barrels, then the rotation of theimaging unit 200 is stopped. At that time, since the imaging unit 200and the visual field frame 31 are interlocked with each other throughthe coupling gear shaft 34 as shown in FIG. 6( b), the imaging unit 200and the visual field frame 31 are rotated being interlocked with eachother.

In the above example, the imaging unit rotational position detectionunit 42 is provided and the detected value in the imaging unitrotational position detection unit 42 is used for stopping the rotatingoperation of the imaging unit 200 and the visual field frame 31.However, it is possible to provide only the lens-barrel rotationalposition detection unit 41. Then, a value detected in the lens-barrelrotational position detection unit 41 is used for controlling thedriving quantity of the motor 301.

Further, in the above example, the coupling gear shaft 34 is used tointerlock the imaging unit 200 with the visual field frame 31. However,it is possible to mount an imaging unit rotating motor and a visualfield frame rotating motor to rotate the imaging unit 200 and the visualfield frame 31 by controlling the motors based on detected values,respectively.

Further, applying the present embodiment, it is possible to take apicture according to the user's preference by rotating the imaging unit200 to any rotational position as described below.

As shown in FIG. 6( a), in this application, an operation unit 501having two buttons is provided for receiving an instruction as to thedirection of rotation. Depending on an instruction received through theoperation unit 501, the motor 301 is driven to rotate the visual fieldframe 31.

When an operation of one button of the operation unit 501 is received,the motor 301 is driven to rotate the imaging unit 200 toward adirection such that the long sides of a CCD 221 of the imaging unit 200become vertical from a horizontal state. On the other hand, when anoperation of the other button of the operation unit 501 is received, themotor 301 is driven to rotate the imaging unit 200 toward a directionsuch that the long sides of the CCD 221 of the imaging unit 200 becomehorizontal from a vertical state.

According to such rotation of the imaging unit 200, it is possible totake a picture more efficiently depending on a state of a subject. Forexample, in the case of taking a picture of a vertically orientedsubject, the user using the binoculars of the present embodiment canpush one button of the operation unit 501 to rotate the imaging unit 20such that the long sides of the CCD 221 become vertical. Then, it ispossible to take a picture of the vertically oriented subject using thepixels of the CCD 221 more effectively.

In that case, since also the visual field frame 31 rotates beinginterlocked with the imaging unit 200 as described above, the user cantake a picture while confirming the picture-taking area through thevisual field frame 31. Here, rotation of the imaging unit 200 can bestopped at any position. Thus, it is possible to take a picture with theCCD 221 in an inclined state.

According to the present application, similarly to the case where theimaging unit 200 and the visual field frame 31 are rotated manually, itis possible to take a picture of a vertically oriented subjectefficiently, using a pair of binoculars provided with an ordinary CCD221 arranged such that the long sides of the CCD 221 are horizontal, andholding the binoculars such that the left and right eyepiece parts arein a state of ordinary use.

Further, according to the present application, similarly to the manualoperation, by employing an arrangement in which the imaging unit 200 canbe rotated to and stopped at any position even if there is no visualfield frame 31, it is possible to realize a pair of binoculars having anarrangement that is suitable for taking a picture of a verticallyoriented subject.

Third Embodiment

Next, will be described a third embodiment. This embodiment is anexample of biaxial-type binoculars provided with left and rightlens-barrels that are rotatable respectively at the left and right endsof the main body.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a pair of binoculars according to thepresent embodiment, seen from the above.

A main body 701 of the binoculars of the present embodiment is providedwith an imaging unit 702, coupling gears C 704 (non-rotatable),lens-barrels 703 (left and right lens-barrels of the same structure),coupling gears B 705, a visual field frame 706, a visual field frameholder 707, and coupling gears A 708.

The coupling gears B 705 provided in the left and right lens-barrels 703are rotatably coupled with the respective coupling gears C 704 fixedlyprovided in the main body 701. And, inside one of the left and rightlens-barrels 703, is provided the visual field frame 706 fixed in thevisual field frame holder 707. The visual field frame holder 707 has acircular shape, the outer circumference of the holder has the structureof a gear, and this gear is in contact with a coupling gear B 705.

Accordingly, when this lens-barrel 703 is rotated with respect to themain body 701 for the interpupillary adjustment, then also the visualfield frame holder 707 is rotated. Disregarding such rotation by meansof these gears, the long sides of the visual field frame 706 provided inthe visual field frame holder 707 are adjusted to be always horizontal.As a result, even when the lens barrel 703 is rotated for theinterpupillary adjustment, the visual field frame 706 is always held ina constant state without being inclined.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 7, and showsthe lens-barrel 703 on the side having the visual field frame 706.

The outer circumference of the visual field frame holder 707 holding thevisual field frame 706 has the gear structure and is coupled with thecoupling gear C 704 fixedly provided on the side of the main body. InFIG. 8, the visual field frame 706 shown in a solid line shows aposition in a state where the left and right lens-barrels are completelyopened. In this state, the visual field frame 706 is mounted so that itslengthwise direction becomes horizontal.

Then, it is assumed that, for the interpupillary adjustment, thelens-barrel 703 having the visual field frame holder 707 holding thevisual field frame 706 is rotated through an angle θ about the center ofrotation of the lens-barrel.

The coupling gear B 705 rotates in a clockwise direction in the figurealong the coupling gear C 704. Then, the visual field frame holder 707coupled with the coupling gear B 705 is rotated counterclockwise throughan angle −θ.

Owing to the respective rotations of the gears in the differentdirections, it is possible to perform the interpupillary adjustment,while keeping the state of the visual field frame 706 as shown in dashedlines in FIG. 8.

Further, when the interpupillary adjustment is performed is adjusted inthe binoculars of the present embodiment, both the lens-barrels 703rotate through the same angle with respect to the main body 701. Thisoperation is realized by interlocking the left and right lens-barrels703 with each other through the coupling gears A 708.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view seen from the direction A in FIG. 7.

As shown in the figure, the coupling gears A 708 are two gears providedon the eyepiece side of the main body 701. These two gears are incontact with each other at the center of the main body 701. Further,left and right lens-barrel arms 709 and 710 are coupled respectivelywith the gear portions opposite to this contact portion. As a result,the same quantity of rotation as the quantity of rotation of onelens-barrel 703 is transmitted to the gear of the other lens-barrel 703,and thus the left and right lens-barrels 703 rotate by the same quantityof rotation.

According to the above-described arrangement, the imaging unit 702placed in the main body 701 is not inclined by the interpupillaryadjustment, and is held such that the lengthwise direction of the CCD isalways horizontal. Without the above-described arrangement, sometimesquantities of rotation of the left and right lens-barrels with respectto the main body become different from each other, and the imaging unit200 placed in the main body is inclined.

The biaxial-type binoculars of the present embodiment is constructedsuch that the main body 701 and the visual field frame holder 707 arecoupled through the gears as described above, and the lengthwisedirection of the visual field frame 706 is always held horizontal whenthe interpupillary adjustment is performed. As a result, even when theinterpupillary adjustment is performed, the imaging unit 702 and thevisual field frame 706 are interlocked with each other to keep theirlengthwise directions horizontal.

As described above, according to the present invention, in an opticalapparatus having an image pickup function and having a visual fieldframe in the visual field, it is possible to correct the inclination ofthe visual field frame easily.

1. An optical apparatus having an image pickup function, comprising: abinocular optical system that has a left and right pair of observationoptical systems housed respectively in left and right lens-barrels, andis able to perform an interpupillary adjustment by axially rotating saidleft and right lens-barrels; an imaging unit that has a photoelectricconversion unit having an angle of view corresponding to a real visualfield of an image observed by said binocular optical system, with theimaging unit being arranged between said left and right lens-barrels;and a visual field frame that has almost the same shape as saidphotoelectric conversion unit, is provided in at least one of saidlens-barrels to be rotatable about an optical axis of the observationoptical system; wherein: said optical apparatus further comprises: aninterlocking portion provided between said lens-barrel having the visualfield frame and said imaging unit, with said interlocking portion rotatesaid visual field frame and said imaging unit in the same directionthrough the same angle.
 2. An optical apparatus according to claim 1,further comprising: a detection means that detects a quantity ofrotation of said photoelectric conversion unit about an optical axis ofan image pickup optical system of said imaging unit; a display means;and a control means that makes said display means give an indicationwhen the quantity of rotation of said imaging unit, which is detected bysaid detection means, becomes a predetermined value.
 3. An opticalapparatus according to claim 2, wherein: said predetermined value is avalue indicating that an inclination of long sides of said imaging unitis horizontal or vertical.
 4. An optical apparatus having an imagepickup function, comprising: a binocular optical system that has a leftand right pair of observation optical systems housed respectively inleft and right lens-barrels, and is able to perform an interpupillaryadjustment by axially rotating said left and right lens-barrels; animaging unit that has a photoelectric conversion unit having an angle ofview corresponding to a real visual field of an image observed by saidbinocular optical system, with the imaging unit being arranged betweensaid left and right lens-barrels; and a visual field frame that hasalmost the same shape as said photoelectric conversion unit, is providedin at least one of said lens-barrels to be rotatable about an opticalaxis of the observation optical system; wherein: said optical apparatusfurther comprises: a detection means that detects a quantity of rotationof said photoelectric conversion unit about an optical axis of an imagepickup optical system of said imaging unit; a driving unit that drivesrotation of said photoelectric conversion unit and/or rotation of saidvisual field frame; and a control unit that makes said driving unitoperate, based on information detected by said detection means.
 5. Anoptical apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: as said driving unit,separate driving units are provided for rotating said photoelectricconversion unit and said visual field frame respectively; the drivingunit for driving rotation of said photoelectric conversion unit isprovided between said left and right lens-barrels; and the driving unitfor driving rotation of said visual field frame is provided in thelens-barrel in which said visual field frame is provided.
 6. An opticalapparatus having an image pickup function comprising: a left and rightpair of observation optical systems; a left and right pair oflens-barrels having said left and right observation optical systems,respectively; an imaging unit that has a photoelectric conversion unithaving an angle of view corresponding to a real visual field of an imageobserved by said observation optical systems, is provided between saidleft and right lens-barrels, and has an image pickup' optical systemprovided in front of said photoelectric conversion unit; a rotationmechanism that rotates at least said photoelectric conversion unit aboutan optical axis of said image pickup optical system; a visual fieldframe provided in at least one of said left and right lens-barrels, withsaid visual field frame being rotatable about an optical axis of saidobservation optical system; and a driving unit that rotate said imagingunit and said visual field frame in a same direction through a sameangle.
 7. An optical apparatus having an image pickup functioncomprising: a left and right pair of observation optical systems; a leftand right pair of lens-barrels having said left and right observationoptical systems, respectively; an imaging unit that has a photoelectricconversion unit having an angle of view corresponding to a real visualfield of an image observed by said observation optical systems, isprovided between said left and right lens-barrels, and has an imagepickup optical system provided in front of said photoelectric conversionunit; a rotation mechanism that rotates at least said photoelectricconversion unit about an optical axis of said image pickup opticalsystem; a visual field frame provided in at least one of said left andright lens-barrels, with said visual field frame being rotatable aboutan optical axis of said observation optical system; and a driving unitthat rotate said imaging unit and said visual field frame in a samedirection through a same angle, wherein: said driving unit is a motor;and said rotation mechanism is equipped with a plurality of gears.
 8. Anoptical apparatus having an image pickup function comprising: a left andright pair of observation optical systems; a left and right pair oflens-barrels having said left and right observation optical systems,respectively; an imaging unit that has a photoelectric conversion unithaving an angle of view corresponding to a real visual field of an imageobserved by said observation optical systems, is provided between saidleft and right lens-barrels, and has an image pickup optical systemprovided in front of said photoelectric conversion unit; a rotationmechanism that rotates at least said photoelectric conversion unit aboutan optical axis of said image pickup optical system; a visual fieldframe provided in at least one of said left and right lens-barrels, withsaid visual field frame being rotatable about an optical axis of saidobservation optical system; a driving unit that rotate said imaging unitand said visual field frame in a same direction through a same angle;and operation switches for instructing operation of said driving unit,to start and stop rotation of said imaging unit.